One Piece, the epic anime and manga series, is once again at the center of fervent discussions among fans.
This time, the controversy surrounds a character design in episode 1090, and it has thrust one particular animator into the spotlight.
The character under scrutiny is Jewelry Bonney, and the questions arise: Why is the animator being harassed for Bonney’s portrayal in this episode, and is there more to this debate than meets the eye?
One Piece animator KDA is facing online harassment for posting a pic of Bonney sitting topless in a bath from episode 1090. Fans claimed he was sexualizing a 12-year-old, but others said that since Bonney had consumed the Toshi Toshi no Mi Devil Fruit, so despite her actual age being 12, she appears as a fully grown woman. In response to the mounting criticism, the animator apologized and revealed he wasn’t aware of her age.
Explained: Why Is A One Piece Animator Getting Harassed Online?
The One Piece animator in question, known as KDA on social media, is facing harassment and criticism for their involvement in episode 1090 of One Piece.
This controversy centers around the depiction of Bonney and how she was sexualized in this episode, given that the character’s age is just 12.
Bonney’s character in One Piece has always been a subject of intrigue due to her unique abilities. She possesses the Toshi Toshi no Mi Devil Fruit, which can age people and objects.
Bonney herself was administered a small portion of the fruit’s extract as a child. As a result, despite her actual age being 12, she appears as a fully grown woman. This complex backstory plays a pivotal role in understanding the controversy surrounding her portrayal.
Fans who criticized the animator’s work argued that despite Bonney’s power to change her physical age, the episode’s depiction was inappropriate given her mental age.
This brings us to a crucial question: Should animators consider the character’s physical capabilities and their psychological age when creating scenes?
In response to the mounting criticism, the animator did issue an apology. However, the apology was not directed toward how Bonney was portrayed but rather for depicting Jinbei shirtless in the same episode.
This response garnered mixed reactions among fans. While some appreciated the animator’s humorous approach, others were dissatisfied, feeling that it downplayed the concerns about Bonney’s portrayal.
Furthermore, fans noted that this wasn’t the first instance of Bonney appearing in scantily clad scenes in the anime adaptation, which only added fuel to the ongoing debate.
One aspect that offers some perspective on the situation is the animator’s claim of being unaware of Bonney’s actual age.
It’s worth noting that this revelation about Bonney’s backstory and actual age was only recently disclosed in the manga’s latest chapters.
Given the lead time required for anime production, it’s plausible that episode 1090 was already in the works before this information was made available.
Overall, as fans continue to voice their opinions, one can’t help but wonder about the broader implications this debate may have for the world of anime and its dedicated audience.
What do you think of this ongoing debate? Is One Piece guilty of sexualizing Bonney too much? How much fanservice is okay?
Let us know your opinions in the comments below.
